Science Fair Ideas

Fretting over your science fair project? Having trouble coming up with an idea that interests you? Jump start your creative thinking by browsing through these science fair sites that list hundreds of projects, along with tips on choosing one that’s right for you.

All Science Fair Projects is a web directory of 500 science fair projects for elementary, middle and high school. The project ideas are searchable by keyword, difficulty and category; and browsable by topic. Each project page includes a short description, and an external link to the project. Use the link labeled "View 3rd Party Site." If that fails, try the cached view instead. Additional resources include a science fair forum staffed by science mentors, and helpful tips from the Science Fair Coach.

"Do you have a hobby? Do you enjoy doing something? If you do (and I'm sure there is something you really enjoy), then you already have an idea for a project - you just don't know it yet " Begin at Ideas for some insight on how to turn your hobby into a science project. For more concrete suggestions ("Why does a prism create a rainbow pattern of light?") jump ahead to the grade-level idea pages.

After perusing the 250 Project Ideas, I recommend the "Soup to Nuts Handbook" written by Janice Van Cleve, author of more than forty books on science and science fairs. "A science project is like a mystery in which you are the detective searching for answers. Science projects let you practice and exhibit your detective skills. You not only get to select which mystery to solve, but you can creatively design methods for uncovering clues that will lead to the final revelation of who, what, when, where, how, and why."

Science Buddies is a non-profit organization encouraging students to "improve their science skills" and "consider additional study or careers in science." It's also my pick-of-the-day site because of the Topic Selection Wizard, and the general excellence of all the guidance provided. Choosing a topic is often the most agonizing part of starting a science fair project. Use the wizard to guide you toward a topic that interests you. Be warned, however, you'll have to answer a lot of questions to work your way through the wizard. Other great clicks are the list of science fair topics in the "How To" section, and the "Ask an Expert" online forum.

Each of the science fair projects listed at Science News for Kids was a finalist in the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge. Some of the listings are just short descriptions ("Learning: Is there a relationship between eating breakfast and school performance?") but others include photos and more details about the students and their projects. Also worth visiting is the Tips section that includes advice from award-winning middle school scientists.